Library Lane Development

Library Lane Development

Albany, Auckland, New Zealand

Library Lane is one of several larger residential developments in the fast growing Albany area. When completed, the development will include nine apartment buildings of various configurations to suit local market requirements, from single bedroom dwellings to luxury rooftop four bedroom penthouse apartments.

A model for the future of Auckland’s housing

The project is being delivered using state-of-the-art 3D design and documentation technology – Building Information Modeling (BIM). The use of BIM across the project design provided many advantages to both the client and contractor through early identification and resolution of potential issues.

Structural design that rises to all of the challenges

Our team worked closely with the client to improve the structural design, which resulted in overall development cost below comparable developments in the area. This was a collaborative process, involving a number of concept design options.

In the end, the developer opted for a system comprising ductile concrete shear walls and steel moment-resisting frames. In addition to being cost-efficient, the selected design intrudes less on the apartments, maximizing floor space and enhancing commercial viability.

The design also provides critical seismic strengthening. Along with the concrete and steel wall system, the podium floor is well detailed to resist significant diaphragm force transfer from the towers to the basement during earthquakes while meeting functional and performance requirements to support the weight of specimen trees and planters for the courtyard.

Strong on-site presence, responsiveness and flexibility

From on-site discussions of how construction will work, to ongoing inspections and attending to issues at call, our team has been available at all times, throughout the life of the project. Although the contractor was involved only later in the project, we have worked closely with the contractor, to design around their preferred construction method, making changes where necessary to streamline the process for them.

The first stage (already sold out), comprising three apartment buildings, is currently under construction on a challenging sloping site. Working together with the geotechnical engineering consultant, we’ve developed an innovative foundation system to ensure building stability while minimising costs.

A model for the future of Auckland’s housing

Stage 1 of the development will deliver approximately 130 residential units and a two-level basement carpark with 153 parking spaces, with an overall building footprint of about 3000m2. A common courtyard area will connect the three towers, which will also offer retail space. An additional two stages will follow and further stages may be added as neighbouring properties are purchased and integrated into the development.

Library Lane is situated within the Special Housing Area (SHA), which permits high density development in a bid to alleviate Auckland’s housing shortage. With close proximity to Westfield Shopping Mall, North Harbour Stadium and Massey University, the development will be a highly convenient and sought-after addition to the Albany area.